Ava Monroe
Your nails can reveal a lot about your health. While some nail changes are natural, others can signal health concerns, especially changes in nail colour and growth patterns. Unusual nail growth, such as toenails growing upward, could be hereditary or due to external factors such as ill-fitting shoes or profuse foot sweat. In some cases, a change in your nails may be caused by stress in your body due to a high fever, serious injury, or infection. Certain nail changes, such as spoon nails or koilonychia, can indicate underlying medical problems like iron deficiency anemia, malnutrition, or heart disease. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to any significant deviations in nail growth and colour, as they may provide valuable insights into your overall health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fingernail growth rate | 3.47 mm per month or 0.1 mm per day |
| Toenail growth rate | 1.62 mm per month |
| Factors influencing growth rate | Genetics, diet, overall health, environmental factors, temperature, climate, blood circulation, finger, age, hormones, and work type |
| Nail abnormalities | Discoloration, deep grooves, dents, thickening, overgrowth, pits, pitting, crumbling, ridges, and detachment |
| Nail abnormalities causes | Injury, dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, peripheral artery disease, chemotherapy, medication, skin cancer, and lung disease |
| Nail abnormalities treatment | Drain trapped blood, surgery, medication, antibiotics, and soaking |
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What You'll Learn
Health conditions and injuries
Several health conditions and injuries can cause nail growth abnormalities. Minor damage to the nail matrix, the area responsible for nail growth, can lead to temporary changes in nail appearance and texture. More severe injuries can result in nail loss or malformation during the regrowth process.
One common issue is nail infections, known as paronychia. These infections cause redness, swelling, and pain around the nail and can lead to open sores if left untreated. Bacterial nail infections can turn the nail greenish-black and require medical attention.
Certain skin conditions, such as severe eczema, can also interfere with nail growth. People with eczema may notice Beau's lines (horizontal ridges), pitting, texture changes, and colour changes on their nails. Similarly, psoriasis can affect the nails, causing white lines, pitting, and crumbling.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is another condition that can impact nail growth by reducing blood flow to the legs and feet, resulting in slower nail growth. Additionally, circulation issues, such as those associated with diabetes, can reduce blood flow to the nails, making them weaker and more susceptible to damage.
Serious illnesses, such as heart attacks, COVID-19, or pneumonia, can also interrupt nail growth and cause Beau's lines. Chemotherapy and other medications can have similar effects, leading to slow nail growth, Mees' lines (white bands), and nail colour changes. These medication-induced changes usually disappear once the medication is stopped.
Furthermore, certain types of cancer can affect nail growth. Subungual melanoma, or nail matrix melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that affects the nail matrix. It is identified by brown or black discolouration on the nail and requires immediate medical attention.
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Diet and nutrition
Protein is crucial for nail health. Keratin, which is found in nails, is a type of protein. Therefore, consuming enough protein is essential for maintaining strong nails. Animal proteins, such as chicken and turkey, are great sources of protein and collagen, which are both vital for nail health. For those following a plant-based diet, beans, legumes, and tofu are excellent sources of protein.
Iron is another essential mineral for nail health. A lack of iron can lead to brittle or dented nails. Dark, leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and bok choy, are excellent sources of iron. Lentils and beans are also good sources of iron.
Vitamin D is important for nail health, as it helps regulate calcium levels, promoting strong nails. Salmon, eggs, and dairy products are good sources of vitamin D.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a B-complex vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. Biotin-rich foods include eggs, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and organ meats such as liver.
In addition to these specific nutrients, it is important to stay hydrated and consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds to support overall nail health.
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Genetics and age
Genetics play a significant role in determining the speed at which nails grow. If your parents or grandparents had fast-growing nails, you are likely to inherit this trait. Genetics determine the baseline nail growth rate and the thickness of the nail plate. For instance, identical twins tend to have similar nail growth rates.
Genetics also influence the size and shape of your nail beds. For example, the condition known as Ram’s horn nails, where nails thicken and overgrow, can run in families.
Age also affects nail growth. Younger individuals generally experience faster nail growth compared to older adults. This is because the nail matrix, where nail cells are produced, becomes less active as we age, resulting in a decrease in nail growth rate. A 2007 study found that between the ages of 23 and 67, the rate of nail growth decreased. This change in speed may be due to the slowing of blood circulation with age.
Additionally, normal age-related changes in the growth rate and morphology of the nail plate occur with advancing age, although the underlying mechanisms for these changes are not yet fully understood.
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Environmental factors
Environmental and external factors influence nail growth in many ways. Here are some of the critical environmental factors that affect nail growth:
Temperature and Climate
Warmer climates tend to promote faster nail growth compared to colder ones. Heat increases blood circulation, facilitating the delivery of essential nutrients to the nail matrix and stimulating nail growth.
Work and Lifestyle
The type of work a person does can influence nail growth. For example, individuals with jobs that require frequent handwashing or exposure to water and cleaning products may experience weaker nails. This is because water can weaken nails, making them soft and brittle. Therefore, it is advisable to wear gloves when washing dishes, clothes, or surfaces to protect the nails from excessive water exposure.
Additionally, certain lifestyle choices, such as nail-biting (onychophagia), can impact nail growth. Biting your nails can stimulate circulation in the nail bed, leading to faster nail growth. However, it is important to note that nail-biting can also have negative consequences, such as nail damage and an increased risk of infection.
Seasonal Variations
Nail growth can also be influenced by seasonal variations. Fingernails tend to grow faster during the summer months, possibly due to increased circulation and nutrient delivery to the nails.
Trauma and Injuries
Trauma and injuries to the nails or the nail matrix can affect nail growth. For example, a severe injury could cause a nail to fall off, and it may take several weeks for a new nail to appear. In some cases, nail matrix damage may result in permanent nail loss. Bruising, ridges, or discolouration may also occur after a nail injury.
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions such as eczema can interfere with nail growth. Individuals with severe eczema may notice Beau's lines (horizontal ridges), pitting, texture changes, or colour changes on their nails. It is important to keep the skin moisturised and choose eczema-friendly creams to prevent dryness and potential nail growth interruptions.
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Nail care
There are many reasons why your nail might be growing funny. Firstly, it is important to note that the growth rate of nails depends on factors such as age, hormone levels, and overall health. For instance, nail growth peaks during puberty and tends to decline as hormone levels balance out with age. Additionally, the dominant hand's nails tend to grow faster, as do the nails on longer fingers.
If you notice any unusual changes in your nails, such as deep grooves or gaps, discolouration, thickening, or lifting, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. These changes could indicate underlying issues such as onychomadesis, onycholysis, or paronychia.
To maintain nail health and promote growth, it is important to adopt good nail care practices:
- Avoid using your nails as tools, as this can cause chipping, splitting, or lifting.
- Protect your nails from excessive water exposure, as it can weaken and cause splitting, peeling, or breaking. Wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes, and moisturize afterward.
- Trim your nails regularly, especially toenails, to minimize the risk of trauma and injury.
- When dealing with thick or difficult-to-cut toenails, soak your feet in warm saltwater before trimming.
- Avoid digging out ingrown toenails, especially if they are infected. Instead, seek professional treatment.
- Wear properly fitting shoes and alternate between different pairs daily.
- Consider taking biotin supplements, as research suggests this can reduce breakage and improve overall nail health.
- Use nail hardeners sparingly, as prolonged use can break down the nail. Avoid products containing formaldehyde or formalin.
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Frequently asked questions
Curved nails, also known as clubbing, can be a harmless trait that runs in the family. However, it can also indicate a disease, such as lung disease, or a disorder that affects the amount of oxygen in the blood.
Yellow nails can be caused by wearing red nail polish without a base coat or smoking. However, it could also be a sign of something more serious, such as lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or a nail infection.
White streaks or spots on the nails, known as leukonychia, can be caused by drugs or disease. Leukonychia can also occur with arsenic poisoning, heart disease, renal failure, pneumonia, or hypoalbuminemia.
Vertical ridges can be a normal result of aging. However, horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, can be caused by malnourishment, illness, injury, or chemotherapy.
Brittle nails can be caused by aging, certain diseases and conditions, or vitamin deficiencies. To prevent brittle nails, keep them short and avoid using nail polish.
